INO launches a new technology for lens alignment

QUEBEC CITY, July 28, 2015 /CNW/ - INO is proud to announce the launch of its new auto-centering technology for precision lens alignment at SPIE Optics + Photonics in San Diego on August 9, 2015. Available for technology transfer, it offers fast and precise alignment and potential cost savings for manufacturers.

The auto-centering method is based on the use of the geometrical relationship between lens diameter, lens radius of curvature, and the thread angle of the retaining ring. The barrel thread angle and the spatial profile of the peripheral region of the lens surface are selected to create auto-centering conditions whereby any decentering of the retaining ring and corresponding tilt of the retaining ring have counterbalancing effects on the centering of the optical element.

Main benefits

In terms of efficiency, the technology will allow manufacturers to achieve an alignment speed of 25 seconds per optical element, precise to within less than 5 µm, without compromising repeatability. INO's auto-centering technology is 10 to 20 times more precise than the conventional drop-in technique, and is faster than machine-assisted methods while providing comparable alignment precision. Easy to implement, this method works with most optical element geometries.

''This method was developed with a view to the challenges optical assembly manufacturers face—quality, cost, manufacturing efficiency, and repeatability,'' says Jonny Gauvin, program manager, optical design at INO. ''Our technology addresses all these points, and improves them.'' This new technology is subject to various patent applications.

INO will provide more details about its auto-centering technology at the SPIE Optics + Photonics paper session on August 9, and will be in booth 338 starting August 11.

About INO

A leading technology designer and developer, INO is the largest center for industrial optics and photonics expertise in Canada. The leader in its field internationally, INO has so far completed over 5,000 custom R&D contracts in a variety of fields. It has also performed 58 technology transfers and contributed to the creation of 30 new companies that employ over 1,000 people. INO has 185 employees, more than 80% of whom are scientists involved in research. www.ino.ca